The importance of table linens in the dining experience cannot be overlooked. They are essential for setting the right tone for your space and can even influence how we see our food. Table linens include fabric items such as table cloths, placemats, table runners, and table napkins.
The right selection of table linens plays a huge role in conveying the theme and level of service at your establishment and also enhances the dining experience.
As a leading hospitality servicing provider, we have used our experience to put together a list of things you need to consider while choosing table linens. To get the right table linen for your space, you will need to consider the following factors.
Size and Shape
Tablecloths are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, such as rectangle, square, oval, and round. Knowing the size and shape of your table is an important part of picking the right tablecloth. It will help in picking the right size and shape of fabric for each table setting.
You will need to measure the length and width of the tabletop, as well as the height from the tabletop to the floor. Knowing the height from the tabletop to the floor will help you in determining the right tablecloth-drop and in turn, help in picking the right amount of fabric.
If you have to frequently extend and shorten tables, getting separate tablecloths to fit each piece of the table is recommended. Alternatively, you can buy a fabric that fits the size of the table that is used most often.
Colour and Tone
Colour is one of the most essential factors in choosing your linens because it speaks directly to your overall decor theme. The colours need to match your ambiance and create a tasteful, unified appearance. If you’re a restaurant, they help tell your customers what kind of dining experience they can expect from your establishment.
Bright linens convey a more casual theme, while plain and neutral colours highlight a more formal setting. Consider the colours of your walls and other furniture, so you can match the colours and patterns appropriately while shopping.
White, ivory, and off-white are the most popular colours for table linens for formal dining, especially in rooms with warmer tones. Many establishments prefer to use white linen for a number of reasons; it is simple yet classic and never goes out of style and compliments all coloured tableware commonly used in most restaurants.
Material
Table linens come in a variety of materials. It’s important to select fabrics that suit your decor theme while keeping maintenance in mind. There are different materials to choose from and each type of material has a different look and feel.
If you’re looking for comfortable and classy linens, make sure to pick linens that are made from high-quality materials that won’t wear and tear easily. Table linens made of cotton or poly-cotton are great for everyday use. They are soft, durable, easy to care for, and often more affordable than some of the more luxurious fabrics. While synthetic fabrics like polyester are less expensive, unfortunately, they are also less durable and do not offer the right look for a formal setting.
We, at KitchenSpot, highly recommend tablecloths made of cotton, poly-cotton, and linen as they are strong and absorbent and have a luxurious feel.
Maintenance
While we need table linens to be as visually appealing as possible, it’s important to keep in mind that different linens require different levels of maintenance.
Table linens in commercial settings need to be washed daily, unlike table linens in homes. Choosing colourful linens could create a vibrant look, but create extra work of separating loads when washing, or you risk colour runs during laundry.
Another benefit of using white linens is that they do not fade, hence no need to worry about a worn-out look after several washes. Also, should you need to replace table linen after wear and tear, the risk of not getting an exact match and having different shades of white is minimal.
Invest in Quality with KitchenSpot
Table linens are often the most used items in a restaurant, in many cases, daily. Invest in quality and durable table linens, so you can enjoy your value for money for a long time.
For more than 2 decades, we have worked hand in hand with hundreds of clients in the hospitality industry. We pride ourselves in offering a huge variety of top-of-the-line products. We also offer experienced consultants that will assist you in the selection of the right products that meet your standards.
To find out more about how we can help you, contact us to speak to one of our consultants.
